Random Poll of the Day! (696)

[Kor]

And now I can go to sleep. I'll vote in both polls tomorrow.

[Vylash]

First option, it's just ridiculously lazy writing

[ranger]

the best deus ex machina ever is in LOST, where they title the episode, deus ex machina

[Jd-]

There are certain plots that have been resolved with them that actually turned out much better as a result than they would have with a standard ending. Overall, not something to shoot for in your writing, but it's not something that's entirely out of the question when done correctly (and cleverly).

[aly_angelflight]

I only really like Deus Ex Machinas when they're used well... or if it's in the beginning and necessary for the plot of the novel to happen in the first place. ^^;

[mangaluva]

If it's done right and fits the tone of the series... for example, given the tone of Star Wars, I would have been ridiculously disappointed if Palpatine had died because Yoda's little brother turned out to be one of the Imperial Guards and jumped out of nowhere to kill him.

From Monty Python, on the other hand, I expect nothing less that Deus/Diabolus ex Machina all over the shop. I also expect the Spanish Inquisition at this point.

[Akonyl]

Somewhere between #1 and #3. In general if you end a story with a DEM you should feel bad because of it, but there are times when it doesn't completely kill the mood, so if things are good up until then I can excuse it at times.

[GinRei]

There are certain plots that have been resolved with them that actually turned out much better as a result than they would have with a standard ending. Overall, not something to shoot for in your writing, but it's not something that's entirely out of the question when done correctly (and cleverly).

This.  If it's built up and alluded to, it's usually fine.  If it comes out of absolutely nowhere, it's bad.

[PhoenixTears]

There are certain plots that have been resolved with them that actually turned out much better as a result than they would have with a standard ending. Overall, not something to shoot for in your writing, but it's not something that's entirely out of the question when done correctly (and cleverly).

This.  If it's built up and alluded to, it's usually fine.  If it comes out of absolutely nowhere, it's bad.

What they said.

[Kor]

Mixed between option 1 and option 3. While I don't like when writers use them, I don't think it would ruin the whole thing for me just because that one thing, unless it was handled in a very very very bad way.

[Kaito Lady]

4th option


what is it?

[Kor]

4th option


what is it?

Click here

[Kaito Lady]

4th option


what is it?

Click here

thankyou for your niceness

[Callid]

That entirely depends on the way it is done. Tropes Are Not Bad.

A Diabolus Ex Machina at the climax (especially if combine with The Bad Guys Win) is awful though :x